Blue Crane

Emblematic bird of South Africa, the Stanley Crane is part of the smallest of the fifteen species of crane in the world: its wingspan is about 1m80 to 2 m. Its plumage is of a splendid grey-blue, darker on the back of its neck and its head. Its beak is relatively short and its head larger than that of the other species of crane, but its neck is rather thin.

Living mainly on the high plains and plateaus of South Africa, at around 6,000 feet, the Stanley Crane moves in winter to lower areas, without covering long distances.

Of all cranes, this is the species which has the smallest geographical distribution.

It feeds on plants but also on the little animals which it finds in its habitat: insects, lizards, snakes and amphibians. Couples are formed after a courtship parade during which the future partners dance and throw various objects into the air. The nest is built on the ground and both parents incubate a clutch of usually two eggs. The destruction of its habitat has led to the species being classified as “Vulnerable”.